NCBA Golf Series moves to Karen as leading Amateurs seek Ruiru Open

Kiambu’s Golfer Elvis Muigua in a recent action. [Maarufu Mohamed, Standard]

Over 200 Golfers will be flexing their muscles in the ongoing NCBA Golf Series golf tournament teeing off on Saturday at the par 72 Karen Country Club course.

This event that marks the 7th leg of the series will see the Amateurs drawn from across the Country and beyond with top performers to secure their slots at the Series 2024 Grand Finale scheduled to take place later this year.

They will include the Division 1 Male and Female Winners, Division 2 Male and Female Winners, the Overall Winner of Division 3, and the top performer in the Junior category.

NCBA Group Managing Director John Gachora emphasized the importance of the series in promoting golf development and growth in Kenya and was thrilled to be returning to Karen Country Club for the seventh edition.

He pointed out that the event has grown tremendously over the years, and it is gratifying to see such a high level of enthusiasm and participation from the golfing community.

"Karen Country Club has always provided us with an exceptional venue, and we look forward to another fantastic tournament. The NCBA Golf Series is an integral part of our commitment to supporting sports and community development. Through these tournaments, we aim to nurture talent and elevate the standard of golf in our region. We believe in creating opportunities for golfers of all levels to compete and improve their skills, and we are proud to be a part of this journey, “noted Gachora.

The tournament follows the successful sixth edition held at Muthaiga Golf Club a fortnight ago, which saw a similarly strong turnout of over 200 golfers where Isaac Matubi showcased exceptional skills, securing victory in Division One category with an impressive 36 stable ford points.

The Division Two Category, for golfers with handicaps between 13 and 24, saw Yogendra Nandha clinch the men's title, while Sajni Shah’s 40 stable ford points earned her victory in the ladies' division.

In Division Three, which featured golfers with handicaps of 24 and above, Rebecca Juma emerged as the champion after carding a round of 33.

Among the juniors, Alvin Kaisha, playing off handicap 15, stood out with an impressive 35 points, claiming the top spot.

Elsewhere, the 2nd edition of the NCBA Ruiru Open is all set to tee off this weekend, from Friday to Sunday at the par-73 Ruiru Golf course where it has attracted a team of 112 top Amateurs drawn from across the Country Clubs and beyond.

The event supported by NCBA and Organized by Kenya Golf Union (KGU) that will see the Amateurs vying for top honors include seven talented ladies Joyce Wanjiru, Bianca Ngecu, Briana Ngecu, Diana Mbuba, Kelly Gachaga, Esther Chumo and Sandra Kagana from Burundi.

With a substantial prize kitty of Ksh500,000 up for grabs, the competition is expected to be fierce, with the top performer slated to walk away with Ksh.150,000.

Defending champion Adel Balala will not be participating in this year's event and another notable absence will be Mike Karanga, currently away in Ireland for the Amateur Championship scheduled from the 17th to the 22nd of June 2024.

The spotlight, however, now falls on Elvis Muigua from Kiambu Golf Club, who currently holds the number one spot in the KAGC ranking system with an impressive 356.1 points.

Muigua is touted as the player to watch during this weekend's tournament, with fans eager to witness his exceptional skills on the course.

This edition of the NCBA Ruiru Open has attracted participants not only from Kenya but also from neighboring countries such as Burundi, Rwanda, and Uganda, adding an international flavor to the competition.

KGU Tournament Director and Vice Chairman Chris Kinuthia expressed gratitude towards NCBA for their steadfast support in nurturing golf talent across the country.

"I would like to express our gratitude to NCBA for their continued support in nurturing golf talent across our country. Their commitment is truly commendable. I would also like to extend appreciation to Ruiru Sports Club for graciously providing their prestigious course for the three days, allowing our elite players to showcase their remarkable skills."

The NCBA Ruiru Open holds significance beyond just the competition, as it qualifies for World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points and contributes to the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) Ranking, further solidifying its importance in the golfing calendar.